We invited our friends at the Muslim Student Association (MSA) of University of Las Vegas for an iftar dinner at our location on April 17th, 2022. It was a lovely night as we got together with some old friends and met with plenty of new faces of our Las Vegas community.
We would like to thank our volunteers who enriched the iftar with their delicious meals and desserts. A huge thanks to MSA and other guests for their participation.
Silver Sage Foundation hosted an iftar for the high school students in Las Vegas from various religions. We gathered on the 9th of April to celebrate an iftar dinner together and reinforce relationship between different religions.
The Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada also participated in the iftar and honored us with their presence. We had various speakers from them and their enlightening speeches gave important lessons to the high school youth in the audience.
There were plenty of non-Muslim high school students who tried fasting for the iftar and they expressed their surprise in finding that fasting is not as hard as they thought. They also stated how much joy they felt spiritually.
We would like to thank to all volunteers who realized this wonderful event, participants, The Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada and Teen Project of Silver Sage Foundation.
Imam Mujahid Ramadan’s Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show aired its newest episode on April 2nd, 2022. The topic was titled ‘Fasting and the Spiritual Transformation.’ As always, the show was aired on KCEP 88.1 FM and sponsored by Silver Sage Foundation.
This month’s esteemed guests were Colby Jeffers (Baha’i, Rapper, Film Producer and Educator), Frank C Rodarte Jr. (President of Enumclaw Washington Stake’s Nevada, Las Vegas Mission), and Imam Abdel J. Nuriddin (Owner of Genesis Health & Nutrition Center. Columnist and Speaker).
Imam Ramadan opened the show by emphasizing on the importance of this year as major holidays of the Abrahamic religions converged roughly around the same time. The month of Ramadan, the season of Easter, and Passover coincided with each other in 2022’s March-April. He claimed that it is the perfect season for interfaith dialogue and understanding. He also spared some time to give special prayers to the people in Ukraine. As it’s the beginning of the month of Ramadan, the discussion started with Colby Jeffers’ rap music titled ‘The Fast.’ Even though the music was produced for the Baha’i faith’s fasting, the lyrics can be easily applied to most of the other major religions. This fact was used by Imam Ramadan as a starting point as fasting is one of the universally practiced forms of worship.
Jeffers described how fasting is prescribed in the holy scripture of Baha’i faith. It’s a way of observing God’s beauty and come closer to it. There are both spiritual and physical benefits even though it’s a bit difficult practice.
Rodarte Jr. continued the subject by describing how fasting is a part of the Church of Jesus Christ – Latter Day Saints. He quoted from the scripture how fasting helps people to break free of their physical needs and animalistic instincts. Fasting is also important as it encourages believers to help the people in need.
Imam Nuriddin delved into the topic by explaining the importance of fasting in Islam. He described how hard was it to practice for the first Muslims as they did this under blazing sun and burning sands. He quoted from the Quran that the month of Ramadan is the time in which the devil is chained and the possibility of doing good deeds is increased.
These were just the beginning remarks in this long and bountiful discussion. We advise everyone listen to the 1-hour long show to learn all about fasting in Baha’i faith, Christianity and Islam. It was also remarkable to hear the importance, different meanings and benefits of the practice called fasting.
We would like to thank Imam Ramadan for yet another great discussion. Special thanks to the honorable guests for their invaluable contributions. To get the latest updates on the future episodes, please follow our social media channels.
If you like to listen to the awesome rap song ‘The Fast’ buy Colby Jeffers, here is a link to the video:
Imam Mujahid Ramadan’s Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show aired its newest episode on March 5th, 2022. The topic was titled ‘The Ottoman Empire and Tolerance in Society.’ As always, the show was aired on KCEP 88.1 FM and sponsored by Silver Sage Foundation.
This month’s esteemed guests were John Curry (Historian and Associate Professor at UNLV) and Bojan Petrovic (Author of multiple academic books, Lecturer at University of California).
Imam Ramadan opened the show by sparing some thoughts on the conflict in Ukraine. He condemned Vladimir Putin’s cruel invasion and stated that the dialog should be the primary way of interaction between the countries. He expressed his sentiments for the Ukrainian people by quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’
Curry talked about the Ukrainian invasion and the issue of that geography and how the conflict dates back to the Mongolian invasion in early 13th century. It shifted the gravity of power towards Moscow from Kiev. Then he gave a brief summary on how the conflict between Ukraine and Russia formulated.
After these short discussions on the issue of Ukraine, Ramadan shifted the topic back to the Ottoman Empire. Petrovic described the origins of the Empire by tracing it back to the Turks in the Central Asia. He stated that the expansion of Islam was positively affected by the Turks’ early adoption to Islam.
The discussion then moved on from the tolerance in the Ottoman Empire and the problems arose in the nations which were separated from the Ottoman Empire after World War 1 as they specifically talked about the issues in Afghanistan and the Middle Eastern countries.
They also talked about how much the Ottoman (Turkish) culture influenced the rise of Mysticism in Islam (Sufism). The status of women in the Ottoman Empire was another discussion point as the show went on.
It was remarkable to hear that the Ottoman women were allowed to own businesses and were actively involved in the social structure even though the man was the primary power-holder in general. It was a 1-hour show filled with historical knowledge and interesting facts. As the two guests were experts on their fields, Ramadan’s striking questions were responded with invaluable historical information.
We would like to thank Imam Ramadan for yet another great discussion. Special thanks to the honorable guests for their invaluable contributions. To get the latest updates on the future episodes, please follow our social media channels.
Imam Mujahid Ramadan’s Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show aired its newest episode on January 8th, 2022. The topic was titled ‘Man Means Mind and Mystical Insights of Imam Mohammad.’ As always, the show was aired on KCEP 88.1 FM and sponsored by Silver Sage Foundation.
This month’s esteemed guests were Imam Earl El-Amin (Resident Imam at Muslim Community Cultural Center of Baltimore Masjid in Baltimore, MD), Imam Faheem Shuaibe (Resident Imam at Masjidul Waritheen in Oakland, CA), and Aneesah Dawan (Advocate for the future generation. Member of the Progressive Leadership Legacy Association).
Imam Ramadan opened up the discussion with happy new year wishes as we greet 2022 together. After that he immediately delved into the topic of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed’s importance on the North American Muslims. While coming from the Nation of Islam origins, Imam Mohammad managed to take the Black community’s Islamic belief from nationalistic bases to a universal environment as it should be. Ramadan supported the idea that Imam Mohammed showed that being an American is compatible with being a Muslim.
Imam Shuaibe made a remarkable analogy as he claimed that the Nation of Islam’s journey resembles that of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) as he searched a god in the Moon, then the Sun and through series of contemplations finally came to the correct conclusion of the existence of an omnipotent and all-encompassing God.
Sister Dawan echoed Shuaibe’s sentiments and stated that the Nation of Islam’s evolution was completely natural and expected as when someone is in sincere search of truth, they ultimately reach to it after passing through some other variations and near misses. She lamented that it was a tough journey for some, but also thankfully stated that it brought most of the Black Muslims into a proper Islamic mindset eventually.
Imam El-Amin spoke about how Imam Mohammed paid attention and special importance to the US constitution and democracy. He emphasized that the Imam’s teachings encouraged dialogue, co-operation and defending the basic human rights. He also remarked that the Founding Fathers definitely had Quranic influences.
There were many more topics touched during the show and one would miss a lot by not listening to it completely. Topics ranged from Islam in the USA, slavery, politics, ideological evolution, equality, and contemporary social issues.
We would like to thank Imam Ramadan for yet another great discussion. Special thanks to the honorable guests for their invaluable contributions. To get the latest updates on the future episodes, please follow our social media channels.
We held an online meeting via Zoom on the 19th of December. The topic of the meeting was ‘Holy Night – Remembering the Virgin Mary.’ We had esteemed guests and a colorful program filled different activities and performances. The meeting was hosted by Mukaddes Kocabiyik who also organized the previous Christmas’ interfaith event on Jesus and Mary.
The meeting started with a recitation of Quran. Fatima recited Surah 66 At-Tahrim which talks about Maryam’s (Mary) spiritual importance as a devout follower of God.
The meeting continued with Dr. Zeki Saritoprak’s short lecture on Mary’s birth and her childhood. It was remarkable to see how she was able to keep herself strong in a community dominated by patriarchy. Her faith was something to behold.
Melike Durmaz recited a poem from Patty Griffin titled ‘Mary.’ It filled our hearts with love as we once again remembered the devotion of Mary. Dr. Glorius Fealing kept uplifting our spirits with a beautiful performance of ‘The Song of Mary Medley.’ Her beautiful voice washed our ears from all dirty sound stains.
One of our regulars and the host of the Interfaith and Intercultural dialogue radio show, Imam Mujahid Ramadan also joined to the meeting. He contributed with his beautiful remarks on the importance of Mary. He emphasized how the love of Mary and of her family can bring Muslims and Christians together. Our long-lasting friend and scholar, Dr. Rosalie Marinelli took the microphone to make some very important remarks on the Virgin Mary and her role. She praised the meeting as a great opportunity for dialogue and understanding.
Unfortunately, Dr. Craig Considine couldn’t able to participate in the meeting as was planned. But he sent a very valuable video in which he gave some very important remarks on the role of Mary and the vital significance of co-understanding between Christianity and Islam. You can find Dr. Considine’s video on our Instagram account.
After several remarks from our participants, we ended the meeting with smiling hearts. We enjoyed this short celebration of Mary a lot. It was a meeting of both pleasure and learning. We hope to repeat such meetings in future, preferably onsite as we miss our dear friends a lot. We wish everyone a blessed and merry Christmas. May it bring joy to everyone.
Imam Mujahid Ramadan’s Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show aired its newest episode on November 6th. The topic was titled ‘Rumi and Mysticism in the 21st Century.’ As always, the show was aired on KCEP 88.1 FM and sponsored by Silver Sage Foundation.
This month’s esteemed guests were Reverend Gard Jameson (President of the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada), Dr. Zeki Saritoprak (Professor and Director of the Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University), and Ibrahim Anli (Executive Director at Rumi Forum).
The discussion began with Gardner’s remarks on Rumi’s importance as someone ‘who is beyond all faith.’ As he is the most read poem all around the world, his influence transcends the Islamic communities and compel everyone’s hearts. Gardner emphasized on the importance that Rumi tried to open a way to heal this damaged and broken word through unconditional love. He also remarked how Rumi could read the God’s language which is a ‘silence’ for our naked ears.
Saritoprak shared a striking fact that Rumi’s funeral was attended by the people of 7 different faiths. He was a man who managed to see ‘good in everything.’ He loved the creation due to its creator and was able to see love and unity in all beings.
Ramadan put forward an interesting coincidence that while we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas in this late 2021, another celebration takes play among the followers of Rumi as they ‘celebrate’ his death. It is celebrated as he saw his own death as a ‘migration’ to the afterlife where you meet with the creator.
Anli contributed to the show with his extensive academic knowledge on Rumi as he gave the names of all his writings. He said that his magnum opus, ‘Mesnevi,’ can be described as a ‘Persian Quran’ as it translates the Holy book’s spirit and meaning into the Persian language beautifully. He also talked about the positive influences of Mysticism as it stripped people away from a politicized and legalized Islam to a restorated and pure one.
Unfortunately, the show ended abruptly due to the time limit given by the radio station. There were so much more to discuss and we hope that Ramadan will continue to deal with this subject in the upcoming months.
We would like to thank Imam Ramadan for yet another great discussion. Special thanks to Rev. Gard Jameson, Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, and Ibrahim Anli for their invaluable contributions. To get the latest updates on the future episodes, please follow our social media channels.
We returned to our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner tradition after giving a break in 2020 due to the pandemic. The dinner event was hosted at our location on 20th of November. We had dozens of guests from a variety of different backgrounds of Las Vegas.
Our dinner program started with an interfaith prayer by Keith Thomas from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Shamsuddin Waheed from Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center.
After the opening prayers and remarks by the two honorable men of religion. Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show’s host, Imam Mujahid Ramadan gave a speech on the importance of thanksgiving and interfaith dialogue. His speech was significant as he spoke as the vice president of Interfaith Council of Nevada.
Then we distributed wish cards among our guests and everyone wrote their new year wishes on them.
The event continued with a musical performance by the talented pianist and vocalist, Scott Nicholson. His 30 years of musical experience really mesmerized the crowd as we didn’t realize how quick the 20 minutes passed listening to his music.
Our next speaker was Kevin McMahill, the former Under-sheriff at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). He gave a speech on the importance of understanding others as a way of maintaining order in the society. He specifically requested people to keep an open heart and don’t dehumanize the police force as they are also human beings who try to keep civilians safe.
The final speech of the evening was given by Brin Gibson, the Former General Counsel to the Governor’s Office and the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. After a short speech on the importance of the meeting, she had the honor of reading the wish cards written by the guests. There were very touching and warm wishes and we say amen to them all.
We would like to thank to all guests, especially our esteemed speaker guests. Also, a special thanks to Scott Nicholson for his fantastic musical performance. Finally, an important thanks to our catering volunteers who prepared delicious meals for the event.
Imam Mujahid Ramadan’s Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show aired its newest episode on November 6th. The topic was titled ‘Wisdom and Insight of Said Nursi’s Risale-i Nur.’ As always, the show was aired on KCEP 88.1 FM and sponsored by Silver Sage Foundation.
This month’s guests were Dr. Zeki Saritoprak (Director of Said Nursi Chair at John Carroll University), Dr. Hakan Gok (Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University) and Hakan Yesilova (Editor-in-Chief of the Fountain Magazine).
Imam Ramadan opened the discussion by asking about how Said Nursi got the nickname ‘Bediuzzaman’ (‘The best of his time’ in Turkish). Yesilova explained that he was a prominent figure even during his teenage years as he was able to debate with adult scholars and imams. His rational approach to religious matters was revolutionary. He earned the respect from different scholarly circles of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Then Ramadan started another topic on how Said Nursi emphasized on interfaith dialogue in his works. It was discussed how Nursi claimed that the Muslims should come together with the true people of the book (Christians and Jews) and stand against the problems of the modern life together.
Saritoprak delved into the matters of how calamities and sickness can be a blessing in disguise as Nursi written in his works. It helps us get out of the hectic daily life routine and know ourselves better. Such troubles work as a reminder for us that we are mortal and we have an obligation in this life. Gok said that the humankind’s primary duty is to uphold the trust given by God.
As the discussion evolved, the topic went to the fact that how Nursi claimed that without willpower, every soul would become a part of the natural laws dictated by God. So that means humankind is a unique creature on earth as we have the option to choose.
We would like to thank Imam Ramadan for yet another great discussion. Special thanks to Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, Dr. Hakan Gok, and Hakan Yesilova for their invaluable contributions. To get the latest updates on the future episodes, please follow our social media channels.
Our volunteers participated in the Ponderosa Planting event held at Mount Charleston and organized by Southern Nevada Conservancy. The families came together and enriched their Saturday by planting trees and enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Silver Sage Foundation volunteers planted a total of 62 saplings. Our volunteers had to work hard digging the ground with shovels and plant the saplings by themselves. It was a fantastic opportunity to teach our kids how to support our beautiful nature as they were involved in the whole process. Especially after a long season of wildfires, this kind of restoration efforts are vital.
We would like to thank Southern Nevada Conservancy for allowing us to be a part of this meaningful event. Their organization and guidance was perfect and it allowed us to plant our saplings efficiently. And a special thanks to our volunteer families who took time from their weekend holidays and participated in such a physically demanding event.
